Bob and I stopped at Flemings briefly on Monday night and wanted to stop for dinner before going home but didn't want take out or to head into the Fan or venture downtown. And we weren't in the mood for Italian. Bob suggested Carena's and it fit the bill.
Carena's is one of those places I always enjoy, but I forget about them when I'm thinking about where I want lunch or dinner. My challenge with Carena's is I had the curry chicken the first time I went and have not been able to tear myself from it. My first goal Monday was to order something other than the curry chicken.
We arrive and are promptly greeted and seated and we were disappointed that it wasn't more crowded but it was just after 6 on a Monday night.
Our server, a lovely young woman named Camille, took our drink orders (Red Stripe for Bob, water for me) while we reviewed the menu. The menu is small, but effective....I would like to try everything on it.
Bob ordered a house salad with spicy jerk ranch dressing and the fried chicken with ginger gravy with dark meat. I also ordered the fried chicken, but with white meat (I've got to have a wing).
Bob salad arrives and it's a standard house salad, but the dressing brought it up to the next level. Spicy with just enough heat, it went very well with the crispy cold salad.
Our entrees arrive and we are both pleased. The fried chicken is lightly dusted with seasoned flour and fried so it's not heavily breaded, but it is very crispy and the ginger gravy was flavorful with a nice bite to it from the ginger. Bob was eyeing my wing and I told him to not even think about it. I always love the cabbage as well as the rice and peas. The cabbage is tender but not mushy and is cooked with spices, carrots, peppers and onions in butter. The fluffy rice with the small red peas is always a treat.
Both the service and food were spot on. And we were happy to see them filling up (and the phone ringing happily with take out orders) on our way out. Our check (two Red Stripes, salad and two entrees) came to $36 with tax. A very good deal and the perfect place to go when you want something out of the ordinary. Welcome to Carena's Jamaican Grille - Richmond, VA
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2 comments:
Glad to see a review of my favorite Richmond restaurant. I agree the the Curried Chicken is my favorite at Carena's. The phone # is a contact on my phone and I'd just call it in on my way home from work for takeout. Unfortunately I was laid off in January, so it's been a few weeks since I've eaten there. I always take my Richmond visitors there to eat. A friend is coming to town this weekend. I can't wait to have Curried Chicken and Coco Bread again. The Talapia with Vegetables is awesome if you want fish. Also the soft reggae music makes for a great atmosphere. Located right off Chippenham parkway on Midlothian, it's easy 2 find and there's lots of parking.
oh my, how i disagree. i think this restaurant is seriously in need of "something". each time i eat at this establishment, i am disappointed. maybe i am eating the wrong thing? thoughts?
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